4 Awesome Lunchbox Ideas
School may look a little different this year than in year’s past, but one thing hasn’t changed – frantic parents trying to feed their kids three meals a day!
Whether your kids are taking their lunchboxes off to the classroom or to the kitchen table, all parents will love these pre-made lunchbox ideas.
Make these lunchbox favorites in bulk on the weekend or prep them the night before to ease morning and midday stress! Get the kids involved too; bringing kids into the kitchen to cook can help get them to open up to new foods!
The best thing about these lunchbox ideas is that you can earn money for your school when you purchase the ingredients! Link your VIC card for the 2020-2021 school year, shop Harris Teeter brand items and earn!
Learn more about Together in Education.
Combo #1: Breakfast for the Lunchbox
Kids love breakfast for dinner, so why not bring it to the lunchbox? We’re using fruit spread as a dip for the French toast as it’s less likely to spill and just as fun!
Wha to pack:
- HT Trader’s French Toast Sticks
- Your favorite Simple Truth Organic Fruit Spread
- Harris Teeter Thick Cut Fully Cooked Bacon
- Sliced Fruit
How to prepare this meal in advance:
- Toast the French toast sticks according to package directions and allow to cool slightly.
- Pour 2 Tbsp. fruit spread in a resealable container.
- Warm bacon according to package directions and allow to cool slightly.
- Slice fruit and toss with a drizzle of fresh squeezed lemon.
- Refrigerate until ready to enjoy or keep at room temperature for up to two hours before eating.
Combo #2: Foodie-to-Go
If your little eater is as adventurous as you are, delight their senses with this Mediterranean-inspired lunchbox. Quick-cooking quinoa and pantry staples make this an easy to pull-together meal option that keeps well for days!
What to pack:
- Quinoa Salad with Dried Cranberries, Artichoke and Feta
- Simple Truth Organic Hummus
- HT Traders So Crisp Pita Chips
- Simple Truth Organic Olive Cups
How to prepare this meal in advance:
Prepare the quinoa salad – Cook Simple Truth Organic Quinoa according to package directions and allow to cool. To make each individual salad, combine ¾ cup cooked quinoa with ¼ cup Simple Truth Organic Dried Cranberries, ¼ cup chopped HT Traders Artichoke Quarters (rinsed and drained), and 1 Tbsp. Harris Teeter Feta Crumbles. Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Add to a reusable container.
Add Hummus into snack-size portioned reusable containers and place pita chips into a small snack bag.
Combo #3 Classic Favorites
This Classic Favorites lunchbox is a popular choice among the younger crowd, but also a favorite among picky eaters and busy parents!
What to pack:
- PB&J Rollups
- Harris Teeter Cinnamon Applesauce Cups
- Harris Teeter Organic Vanilla Yogurt
- Harris Teeter Baby Carrots
- HT Traders Munchie Mix
How to prepare this meal in advance:
Prepare the PB&J Rollups - Use a rolling pin to roll out the bread as flat as possible. Then trim off the crust to make the bread square. Use a knife to add the Simple Truth Organic Creamy Peanut Butter down two of the outer edges of the bread. Then add the Simple Truth Organic Fruit Spread down the middle, in between the peanut butter on each side. Starting at one of the peanut butter edges, gently roll the bread until it becomes a roll.
Pour ½ cup vanilla yogurt into a resealable container. Add baby carrots and Munchie Mix to individual Harris Teeter Resealable Snack Size Bags.
Combo #4: Nut-Free Classroom Lunchbox
Need a nut-free option for your child? This lunchbox is easy to prepare and loaded with kid (and mom) approved foods!
What to pack:
- HT Traders Beef Franks & Harris Teeter Ketchup
- Harris Teeter Cheddar Cheese, cut into cubes
- Harris Teeter Broccoli Florets, thawed
- Simple Truth Freeze Dried Cinnamon Apples
- HT Traders Vermont Cheddar Popcorn
How to prepare this meal in advance:
- Cook the hot dogs according to your preferred method, then slice and place in your lunchbox container.
- Add a few tablespoons of ketchup to a small reusable container.
- Add cheese cubes, broccoli florets and cinnamon apples to individual sections of your lunchbox container.
- Place a handful of popcorn in a resealable bag.
Katie Harding is the publisher of Forks and Folly . A self-taught cook and die-hard foodie, Katie lives in Charlotte with her husband and three boys. Besides cooking and eating, she loves craft beers, running, and napping.